Shoe-fastener.



F. C. FREEBURG.

SHOE FASTENER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 27,1914. RENEWED APR. 23. 1915.

Patented Dec. 28, 1915.

i i/ha come of one of the chains.

FREIDRIGK C. FREEBURG, OF GUALALA, CALIFORNIA.

SHOE-FASTENER.

Application filed May 27, 1914, Serial No. 841,298.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDnIcK C. FREE- BURG, a citizen of the United States, residing at Gualala, in the county of Mendocino and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Shoe-Fasteners, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for one of its objects the provision of a novel fastening means for shoes as a substitute for the ordinary shoe lace.

It consists essentially in the use of a plurality of short chains of special construction which extend transversely across the opening of the shoe for engagement with spaced pairs of buttons secured in series along the opposite marginal edges thereof.

Specifically stated, another object of the invention is the provision of a spring arm connected to the buttons in a manner to prevent casual disengagement of the chains therefrom, when the parts are operatively associated.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for the above mentioned purposes which is simple in construction, cheap to manufacture, and one which will add to the attractiveness of the foot of the wearer.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the nature of the same is better understood, the invention consisting of the combination, specific construction and arrangement of parts which will hereinafter be more fully described.

In the drawing forming a part of this application, like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, wherein;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe showing my improved fastening means applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a perspective view Fig. 3 is a similar view of one of the buttons.

Referring more particularly to the drawing 5 designates a shoe of the ordinary and well known lace type, with the exception that the buttons 6 are substituted for the usual eyelets. The buttons 6 are of a construction similar to that of the well known form of collar button, and comprises a base 7, a reduced shank portion 8 and a rounded head 9. These buttons as shown are arranged in opposed series at the opposite Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 28, 1915.

Renewed April 23, 1915. Serial No. 23,505.

sides of the opening of the shoe, and are secured thereto in the same manner as the ordinary eyelets, or in any other suitable manner.

Extending transversely across the opening of the shoe for engagement with each pair of buttons is a chain 10 which are to be made in different lengths to accommodate the various types of shoes. Each chain comprises a number of relatively large links 11 of substantially key-hole formation, connected by means of the relatively small links 12. In use, the enlarged end of the link 11 is placed over the shanks of the buttons 6 and then moved to bring the elongated slot portion 13 into engagement therewith. As will be noted the end links of each chain has its elongated slot portion 13 extended outwardly so that the chain may be fastened to and unfastened from the buttons from either side of the shoe. A small tassel of some silk fabric may be secured to one or both ends of the chain to add to the neatness of appearance and attractiveness of the foot of the wearer.

With a view of preventing casual disengagement of the chain from the buttons under any condition, I employ a vertically disposed outwardly curved spring arm 14:,

. secured to the base 7 of the buttons in any suitable manner. The upper portion of the arm 14 normally contacts the rounded head 9 of the buttons, while the free end thereof is flared outwardly to facilitate the operation of associating the chain with the buttons.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, it is believed that the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily understood without requiring a more extended explanation and therefore the same has been omitted. However I desire to have it understood that while I have shown and described what I now consider the preferred form of my invention, various changes in the construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to when desired.

What is claimed is 1. A fastener for button shoes comprising a plurality of chains having links of keyhole formation, the elongated slotted portions of certain of said links extending in opposite directions and adapted to engage the said buttons as described.

2. A fastener for button shoes comprising to prevent casual disengagement of the a plurality of chains having links of keychains therefrom. 1 hole formation, the elongated slotted por- In testimony whereof I aflix my signature tions of certain ofsaid links extending in in presence of two Witnesses.

opposite directions and adapted to engage FREDRICK C. FREEBURG.

said buttons, and a vertically disposed Witnesses:

spring arm carried by each of the buttons CARL SMITH,

and normally contacting the heads thereof J. W. KINGREN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

